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NBA Player Power Rankings: Hey Now, You’re An All-Star

By Greg Chin

Feb 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; An interior view at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; An interior view at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies)

Picked as an All-Star starter for the first time this season, Marc Gasol and Pau Gasol will make NBA history by being the first two brothers to be named as All-Star starters. Marc, in particular, is having the best season of his career, and has emerged as one of the best all-round centers in the league.

In his second season in charge as head coach, Dave Joerger has decided to run the Memphis Grizzlies’ offense through Gasol. They’ve utilised his passing prowess to run offensive sets, and have encouraged him to take more field goal attempts instead of deferring. Gasol is averaging 1.6 more shots per game, and has upped his usage rate by almost three percent.

The centers aren’t always the focus of the All-Star Game, but it’s good to see someone like Gasol playing in a small market like Memphis being recognized for his achievements this season. Often, we hear complaints of how players in small markets are being overlooked, this season, with the inclusion of both Gasol brothers; it’s hard to make that complaint.

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